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Long Island isn't known as a ski bum's paradise, but you can find a surprising number of facilities for cross-country skiers. Many county and state parks permit cross-country skiing, weather permitting. Long Island also has several ski clubs for both downhill and cross-country skiers.

Cross Country Skiing in Nassau County

Muttontown Preserve, in Syosset, offers cross-country skiing as well as the historic Chelsea Mansion. North Woodmere Park also offers cross-country close to JFK International Airport, as does Christopher Morley Park near Roslyn. Ski-friendly state parks include Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, Valley Stream State Park in Valley Stream, and Trail View State Park in Huntington. Cross-country is also available at the private Garvies Point Museum & Preserve.

Cross Country Skiing in Suffolk County

Suffolk County parks all allow cross-country skiing, weather permitting. Several state parks also have cross-country trails. Hecksher State Park in East Islip, a park that hosts more than a million visitors a year, offers cross-country skiing. Montauk Point State Park, at the very tip of Long Island, offers scenic views across Long Island Sound, as well as seal-watching. History buffs might enjoy Caumsett State Historic Park, which boasts colonial-era historic re-enactments. Blydenburgh County Park and the undeveloped Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, both in Smithtown, are two Suffolk County cross-country assets.

Downhill Ski Clubs

Downhill skiiers must look outside Long Island for slopes, but Long Island does have several clubs for people who are interested in Alpine skiing. Clubs are organized by geographic region and by age (see Resources). Members get discounted tickets and clubs offer group ski trips to area ski slopes. Garden City Ski Club and Grumman Ski Club own club ski lodges in Vermont. Clubs also organize ski trips to slopes across the U.S. and in Europe.

Cross-Country Ski Clubs

For cross-country skiiers, the Long Island Cross Country Ski Club offers excursions on Long Island itself, skiing at Caumsett, Bethpage, and Caleb Smith State Parks, as well as Muttontown Preserve in Nassau County and Blydenburgh County Park in Suffolk County. The club also skis trails in New York and New England and offers trips to trails across the U.S. and in Canada and Europe. All levels of skill are welcome.

About the Author

J.D. Wollf has been a writer since 1999 and has been published in a variety of newspapers and newsletters. She has covered everything from local sports to computer accessory reviews and specializes in articles about health issues, particularly in the elderly.

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Hook Wimdmill Is A Historic Windmill On North Main Street In East Hampton, New York. It Was Built In 1806 And Operated Regularly Until 1908. One Of The Most Complete Of The Extant Windmills On Long Island, New York, In 1922 The Windmill Was Sold To The Town Of East Hampton. The Building Was Added To The National Register Of Historic Places In 1978.